Oscars 2026: A look at the biggest fashion faux pas over the years

While some celebrities made news for their elegant and luxurious ball gowns, others have stirred up controversies for their questionable looks. Here's a list of major fashion faux pas at the Oscars over the years.

The Oscars have made headlines for more than one reason. From historic snubs to the infamous slapping incident, the night has always been filled with drama, entertainment, and a lot of controversies.

Not only this, but the fashion choices of celebrities are sure to make your jaws drop and heads turned.

While some made news for their elegant and luxurious ball gowns, others stirred up controversies for their questionable looks.

Here's a look back at the major fashion faux pas at the Oscars over the years.

Björk’s Swan Dress (2001)

The Icelandic singer arrived wearing a white dress shaped like a swan wrapped around her neck and even pretended to lay eggs on the red carpet. Critics and audiences widely ridiculed it as bizarre. But an interesting point to note is years later these moments went on to make their way into the most iconic red carpet moments list.

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Sheer Goth Dress (2002)

The Oscar-winning actress wore a black dress that had a sheer top and no bra by designer Alexander McQueen, which many felt looked unfinished and inappropriate for the event. Paltrow later admitted she should have styled it differently. 

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Sheer Goth dress

Céline Dion’s Backwards Tuxedo (1999)

The Canadian vocalist wore a white tuxedo suit by John Galliano backwards, with the lapels and opening on her back. At the time critics called it confusing and odd, though it’s now seen as experimental and unique.

Celine Dion wore a white tuxedo backwards

Heidi Klum’s Over-the-Top Tulle Gown (2016)

The German model's dress by designer Marchesa, had excessive tulle and oversized floral appliqués and asymmetrical flair, which critics said made it look cluttered and overly theatrical. Klum is known for making bold choices when it comes to her outfits for major events.

Barbra Streisand’s Sheer Pantsuit (1969)

The singer and actress wore a sparkly black pantsuit that turned completely see-through under bright lights when she accepted her Oscar for Best Actress for Funny Girl, shocking viewers and making headlines. 

Barbra wore a sparkly black pantsuit

Cher’s Feathered Bob Mackie Dress (1986)

The legendary pop icon, famous for her 1998 global smash Believe, wore a nearly-naked outfit with a huge feathered headdress that was about two-feet tall and made with rooster's feathers was considered too revealing and theatrical for the Oscars at the time. 

Cher's headdress was two feet tall and made of rooster feathers

Sharon Stone’s Gap Shirt + Designer Skirt (1998)

She paired a not-so-expensive black Gap shirt with a couture skirt. Many critics thought it was sloppy for the Oscars. Though it later became a fashion moment for mixing high and low fashion. 

Sharon Stone wore a Gap shirt with a designer skirt

The 98th Academy Awards will be broadcast live on March 16, 2026 at 4:30 AM IST.